As far as Karen Averill is concerned, most of us watch way too much television and spend far too many hours in front of computer monitors for our own good.

Content isn’t her worry, rather it’s the intense tunnel-vision that effectively blots everything else from one’s scrutiny.

"People’s awareness is very narrowly focused — almost to the size of a screen," Averill says. "They’re no longer aware of things outside that area."

That, naturally, can leave them defenseless in life’s danger zones.

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Averill’s remedy is S.A.F.E. Self-Defense Training seminars designed to enhance awareness and confidence.

"Knowing how to protect yourself and being aware of dangers is really critical for everyone," says Averill. "Here in Medford and Southern Oregon, we’re not a big city yet, but we are getting there. If we can get people trained early, I feel the risk of potential danger or harm is greatly reduced."

Averill began teaching Rogue Valley martial arts students in 1981 while in pursuit of her black belt, which she obtained in 1987.

She’s now possesses a fourth-degree Chun Kuk Do black belt. Chun Kuk Do is the martial arts style created in the late 1980s by movie and TV star Chuck Norris.

Averill was twice named United Fighting Arts Federation Senior Women’s Competitor of the Year and officiated in the Pacific Jewel Nationals last year.

She took her art out of the gym and into the work world last year when she was certified by World Black Belt, an international martial arts community, to train airline flight crews in self- defense. She spent much of 2002 traveling to American Airlines hubs in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, St. Louis and Chicago. and training flight crews.

"Usually at martial arts schools the focus is often on traditional close-in fighting, street defense and those types of things," Averill says. "When I started training flight attendants, I thought I could modify the program and direct it toward businesses, service clubs, hiking groups, church groups and the sort."

The four-hour training sessions revolve around mental preparedness, basic blocks and strikes and use of environmental weapons.

"People need to be aware of things within a 5-foot area they can use to defend or attack," she says. "It’s amazing what you can find in a room. People think if it’s a bathroom, there really isn’t anything. But we see towel racks, towels, sprays, ceramic seat tops, mirrors and glass. We can count 25 items in no time at all that you can use to defend yourself."

Seminars are held on the premises of the host organization.

The student/instructor ratio is 8 to 1 and the cost is $65 per person with corporate group rates available. Organizations such as Dunn House and Community Works receive the training free.

Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 776-4463 or e-mail business@mailtribune.com